Welcome to Ocean City
History, family, and luxury on the storied Atlantic Ocean coastline.
From the South End’s broad beaches, open marshland, and exceptional sunsets to the North End’s historic Victorian homes with their stately front porches and jaunty striped awnings, Ocean City is the epitome of east coast beach life. The barrier island off the Jersey Shore offers a number of distinctive neighborhoods, and the ability to easily experience them all no matter which one you choose. The beloved Boardwalk stretches from bay to ocean, providing a plethora of amusements and attractions, while the Gold Coast boasts a glittering beach and palatial homes that are close, but not too close, to OC’s shopping and dining.
Recognized as one of the country's top coastal residential areas, OC has a long history, which can be traced all the way back to its whaling roots in the 1700s. Today, beach lovers put down roots here not only for a solid real estate investment but for the family-friendly atmosphere and the natural beachside beauty of the setting. Top neighborhoods include the Gardens, North End, Central Area, Bay Area, Riviera, Gold Coast, the area between 18th and 34th streets, Bay Landings, and the South End. These luxurious, beachy neighborhoods are ideal for second homes, the kind of retreat you look forward to returning to all year long.
What to Love
- A dry town with a family-friendly ambiance
- Eight miles of shoreline with 2.5-mile Boardwalk
- Fantastic real-estate investment opportunity
- Shopping, dining, and attractions for all ages
Local Lifestyle
Not surprisingly, life in Ocean City revolves around the beach and the famous Boardwalk. Sunny summer days and starry summer nights draw residents and visitors to the waterfront and the two-mile Boardwalk, sandwiched at both ends by the quaint, quieter North and South Ends (which have the best beaches, too). From bike riding to people watching, outdoor concerts to mini-golf, there’s everything, well, under the sun. If you’re in the mood to hang out with your neighbors and friends, there is always something going on, from Halloween and Christmas parades on Asbury Avenue to the classic car shows and block parties in the summer. When it’s time for a quieter, more private day on the beach, it’s easy to find an isolated stretch of sand at Strathmere Beach or Corson’s Inlet State Park. Ocean City makes it easy to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
There are, of course, all the convenient big box stores and grocery stores one could need in the Ocean City area, but it’s the collection of more independent shops, restaurants, and local businesses along Asbury Avenue that’ll pique your everyday interest more. Shop for everything from furniture and pottery to funky thrift items and clothing at the shops that line Asbury from 6th to 14th Street. Don’t forget to get the family geared up for the water at the long-time local favorite 7th Street Surf Shop.
Off the Boardwalk, Stainton’s Gallery of Shops offers space for more than 70 vendors to sell everything from memorable keepsakes to toys to jewelry. Take the time to chat with the artists and salespeople, who love to share their crafts and their life in Ocean City with shoppers.
Hungry? Ocean City boasts some of the Jersey Shore’s best dining - and not only along the Boardwalk and Asbury Avenue. From Italian to Greek to Mexican, you’ll find a variety of cuisines, as well as limitless sweets, from doughnuts to ice cream. Go beyond the cheesy pizza slices and swirled custard and try these classic eateries and new favorites. Spadafora’s Restaurant & Clam Bar is an Ocean City institution, serving local clams on the half-shell or casino-style for almost four decades. Don’t miss the Cape May scallops - perfectly fried and broiled. Head to new fave 701 Mosaic for Caribbean specialties crafted by the Jamaica chef - foodies love the catch of the day with chayote and peppers.
Want the flavors of the sea, but feel like staying in? Grab a seafood steam pot from Topsail Steamer, full of fresh local seafood, meats, veggies, and homemade seasonings ready to take home, steam, and eat when you're ready.
Family-owned and operated for 52 years, Oves Restaurant serves hearty and spectacular breakfasts, with every variety of omelet you could want to fresh apple-cider doughnuts. Come back later for beachside lunch and dinner classics, from burgers and crab cakes to New York strip steak and shrimp scampi.
Things to Do
There’s no doubt that Ocean City’s top things to do involve family-friendly fun. Whether this is your year-round address or your summer getaway, kids and their parents will find much to do day in and day out. Get out the wiggles at
Playland's Castaway Cove,
Gillian's Wonderland Pier, and Music Pier, a music venue stretching right out onto the beach and hosting everything from stand-up comedy acts to musicals to the
Ocean City Pops orchestra.
A year-round calendar of events caters to a slew of interests, from classic car fans to art lovers. Check out the Doo Dah Parade (complete with more than 300 basset hounds), the Christmas Parade, First Night, and Night in Venice, with a boat parade and fireworks.
Head to the summer farmers market for fresh Jersey corn and ripe, juicy tomatoes, fresh flowers, and homemade baked goods. Take in a performance at the
Ocean City Theatre Company or check out one of the weekly events put on by the
Ocean City Free Public Library and Community Center. Or, of course, go swimming, jet skiing, boating, wakeboarding, water skiing, surfing, and the like up and down the 8 miles of beach.
Schools
Ocean City is home to several good schools. Educational opportunities include:
- Ocean City Primary School, K-3, public elementary school
- Ocean City Intermediate School, 4-8, public elementary and middle school
- Ocean City High School, 9-12, well-rated public high school
